Our Commitment to Terps
College success depends on more than what happens in the classroom. Students need reliable access to food and housing, financial stability, supportive relationships, and a sense that they belong.
The Thrive Center for Essential Needs brings together resources, programs, and individualized support to help UMD students meet essential needs, navigate challenges, and build a strong foundation for success at Maryland and beyond.
As part of the Dean of Students Office, we work across the university and with community partners to reduce barriers and connect students with the support they need. Our approach centers each student’s individual circumstances, strengths, and goals—whether they need help addressing an immediate challenge, navigating an ongoing need, or building skills and connections for the future.
At the heart of our work is a simple commitment: every Terp should have the resources and support they need to thrive.
They celebrate every single thing. If you say, ‘I had a good day,’ they’re like, ‘Well, let’s have a party.’ That is something I’ve never had. The program really carried me through all my years of college with the support of my mentor, with the job they helped me find, with the consistency of them constantly checking in... It’s all thanks to them that I’m graduating.
Zohneseh Fopenawoh ’25
There’s nothing more isolating than seeing your friends’ parents carrying their suitcase into their car and knowing they have a home to go to... there are probably so many people who are going through something like this and don’t know what resources are out there. It’s not comfortable to talk about, but you can get a lot done by taking that step and putting your hand out and asking for help.
Katie Baron '25